Chata Plesnivec: A Mild Hike in High Tatras

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

The trail to Chata Plesnivec is one of the “short”, albeit pleasing, trails in High Tatras. The fact that its biggest part cuts through dense forest makes it the perfect route for the, often harsh, Slovak summer days. As a bonus, its moderate length and low elevation gain mean it’s a great trail for kids,…

Strbske Pleso: Slovakia’s Most Astonishing Glacial Lake

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

On the mouth of Mlynicka valley, at the foothills of west High Tatras, rests Slovakia’s most popular mountain retreat, the glacial lake of Strbske or Strbske Pleso as it is widely known. Surrounded by huge Norway spruces and tall firs, with the bright red September pomes of an occasional rowan tree popping out of the…

Heat Stroke: How Not To Turn Holidays Into a Nightmare 

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

An early heat wave that hit Greece last June has claimed five lives, including the famous British journalist Michael Mosley, and with another three people missing the death toll may rise. Sadly, it is not the first time that tourists have lost their lives due to hyperthermia, one of the most tragic being the death…

Hiking The Scenic Chopok Loop in Low Tatras

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

When it comes to hiking in Slovakia, people tend to overlook the Low Tatras in favor of their more adventurous and popular siblings, the High Tatras. The Slovakian mini Alps indeed have an appeal to hikers and mountaineers because of their way steeper and more demanding peaks. But, the Low Tatras have also much to…

Olympus: Trails of the Mythical Mountain

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Known by everyone and roamed by few, the legendary Mt. Olympus may not be a popular destination, but it is one of the few big mountains in Europe where, at least on weekdays, one can still hike in peace and quiet, away from the big crowds. The mythical mountain and alleged home of the Greek…

Mercure Bratislava Centrum

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

  A contemporary 4star hotel , Mercure Bratislava Centrum counts 175 rooms. It has a beautiful pop art design that gives it it’s own character and differentiates it from the usual.     Location Located in Stare Mesto. It’s three minutes from the train station and 15 minutes from downtown and the castle of Bratislava.…

The Majestic High Tatras

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

The Majestic High Tatras Standing between Slovakia and Poland the proud mountain range of High Tatras has a special charm and atmosphere. Protected by National Park status and part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves the Tatras are a great place to be for nature lovers, hikers and climbers. If you love mountains then you have to visit…

Uhrovec Castle : In the Heart of the forest

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

The ruins of Uhrovec castle are located on Nitricke Vrchy Hills which are part of Strazovske vrchy. Hidden inside the dense forest, the castle  is really isolated and not accessible by car. But you wouldn’t want to go by car anyway because the trail that leads to the castle from Uhrovec Podhradie is ethreal. It’s…

Bojnice Castle : Straight out of a fairytale.

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Bojnice castle is made from the stuff that fairy tales are made of. The most visited castle in Slovakia is 3 hours from Bratislava and looks like it came out of a fantasy land with dragons, princes, and evil Queens. The turquoise tower tops have definitely something to do with it. It is located in…

Bratislava : Things to Do in The Capital of Slovakia

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

The capital of Slovakia lies on the banks of river Danube near the country’s western border, forty five minutes from Vienna, and less than two hours from the other jewel of Danube—Budapest. Bratislava is the smallest of the three and definitely the most underrated. Many people consider it a single day destination, or even worst,…

Patsos gorge, Crete

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Patsos gorge is also known as Agios Antonios because of the little church in the cave near the entrance of the gorge. It is located 30km from the city of Rethymno at 490m altitude. In the shadow of Samaria gorge which is also in Crete, Patsos is a smaller and less crowded choice. The whole…

Samaria gorge, Crete

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Samaria gorge, the second biggest gorge in Europe is located in the White mountains south of Chania.It belongs to the greater area of Samaria National park and its flora and fauna are protected by law. It begins at the plateau of Omalos (1200m) and ends up in Agia Roumeli village after 16km. The entrance is called…

Heraklion, Crete

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Heraklion Heraklion is the biggest city in the island of Crete which in turn is the biggest island in Greece and also one of the places  I originate from, consequently I’ve spent many of my childhood holidays here.  It’s a vivid university city which serves as a transportation node to the millions of tourists who…

Agia Pelagia, Crete

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Agia Pelagia Agia Pelagia bay A small fishing village which is 25 minutes from Heraklion. Agia Pelagia is the place to be if quietness is what you are looking for. Built in an amphitheatrical way it has a small beach with six or seven restaurants, two or three bars and as many souvenir shops. Hasn’t…

Chata Plesnivec: A Mild Hike in High Tatras

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

The trail to Chata Plesnivec is one of the “short”, albeit pleasing, trails in High Tatras. The fact that its biggest part cuts through dense forest makes it the perfect route for the, often harsh, Slovak summer days. As a…

Strbske Pleso: Slovakia’s Most Astonishing Glacial Lake

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

On the mouth of Mlynicka valley, at the foothills of west High Tatras, rests Slovakia’s most popular mountain retreat, the glacial lake of Strbske or Strbske Pleso as it is widely known. Surrounded by huge Norway spruces and tall firs,…

Heat Stroke: How Not To Turn Holidays Into a Nightmare 

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

An early heat wave that hit Greece last June has claimed five lives, including the famous British journalist Michael Mosley, and with another three people missing the death toll may rise. Sadly, it is not the first time that tourists…

Hiking The Scenic Chopok Loop in Low Tatras

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

When it comes to hiking in Slovakia, people tend to overlook the Low Tatras in favor of their more adventurous and popular siblings, the High Tatras. The Slovakian mini Alps indeed have an appeal to hikers and mountaineers because of…

Olympus: Trails of the Mythical Mountain

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Known by everyone and roamed by few, the legendary Mt. Olympus may not be a popular destination, but it is one of the few big mountains in Europe where, at least on weekdays, one can still hike in peace and…

Hiking the Alluring Kionia – Profitis Ilias Trail in Cyprus

By Chrisostomos Kamberis

Deep in the heart of Cyprus and away from its blazing coastal line, the luxuriant forest of Machairas thrives against the arid climate of the subtropical Mediterranean island. Especially known to the Christian world for the homonymous monastery that was…